Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lenses are used in refractive lens exchange surgery?

Every patient and eye is different, detailed measurements before surgery such as  biometry & topography are performed to establish the correct lens power for you. The lens implants utilised at Re:Vision are of the highest optical quality premium lenses which come in different types.  The experienced team at RV will help you navigate through the options to make sure you have the best lenses to suit your needs.  The two main categories of lens implant are:• Monofocal Lenses -These provide good distance vision or good near vision but not both. In some cases, we can use a distance lens in one eye and a near lens in the non-dominant eye which is called blended or mono-vision • Multifocal lenses- These lenses offer a high probability of achieving spectacle independence i.e. providing you with the ability to see far as well as to read without glasses. With multifocal lenses, each eye sees far and near and the eyes work together for both distance and near vision.Trifocal lenses- which allow you to see far, intermediate and near via three distinct focal points in the lens fall into the multifocal lens category. There are advantages & disadvantages for all options and it is important to discuss and review your options with your Eye Surgeon at Re:Vision during the consultation.

RLE

What happens if I move my eyes?

Fact: LASIK is a PRECISE & ACCURATE PROCEDURE
Re:Vision utilizes the very latest Schwind laser with its unique 7 dimensional eye tracker which follows the eye movement to ensure the safest and most accurate procedure possible. It’s reassuringly high tech.

Laser

Is the corneal transplant painful?

It might seem surprising but a corneal transplant is a relatively comfortable procedure to have and to recover from. Your eye surgeon will use either local or general anaesthesia so you do not feel pain during the surgery. Following transplantation the eye is usually gritty for a few days but this typically settles fairly quickly.

Corneal Transplant

What happens on the day of my RLE surgery?

You will be at the Day Surgery for 2 – 2.5 hours, the reception team will introduce you to the nurses who will be looking after you that day. The nurses will use some drops to dilate your pupil(s) and discuss the aftercare with you. The surgical team will make sure you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible prior to the procedure.The refractive lens exchange surgery then takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes (per eye).You will then rest in the recovery suite for 30 – 45 minutes.Your surgeon will check all is well before you are discharged home. It is best to go home with sunglasses on to protect your eyes and keep them as comfortable as possible. You will have been given eye shields to wear at night for the first night after surgery as well your aftercare eye drops. It is normal for your eyes to feel tired and gritty for the rest of the day. Your surgeon will call you later that evening to check how you are doing and to answer any questions you have. 99% of Re:Vision patients able to return to work within 24 hours. The next morning you will return to Re:Vision for your 1 day post op visit.

RLE

Are both eyes treated at the same time?

The eyes are operated on separately, but one after the other with very little delay unless you prefer to have a break in between.   It has been normal for many years to have both eyes operated on within minutes of each other, but surgery can be performed on a single eye at a time if you prefer.

Laser

Am I a suitable ICL candidate?

Candidates for ICL’s are between 21 and 45 years of age, suffer from myopia (nearsightedness), and want to experience superior vision correction. The ideal ICL candidate has not undergone any ophthalmic surgery and does not have a history of eye disease such as iritis, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy and a person who is looking for a procedure which doesn’t create dry eye syndrome.

ICL

Can I see straight afterwards?

The vision recovers rapidly  once the drops used to dilate the pupils have worn off - often there is an improvement immediately but the vision is typically clear by the morning. Depending on your eyesight, you may get even more improvement by upgrading your glasses afterwards.

YAG

Can Eye Drops Prevent Or Cure Cataracts?

There is significant research world-wide into senolytics, which is the name used for drugs that reduce the damage caused by aging.  Some examples of these are dasatinib, quercetin (DQ), Lanosterol and UBX1967.Some senolytics are even in human trials, but there are currently no eye drops that have been shown to reverse a cataract in humans.   So at this stage, the only treatment for cataracts is safe and simple cataract surgery.  Cataract surgery also allows you to have the focus problems of your eyes corrected at the same time, which eye drops will not be able to ever do.  

Science Daily, Leaf Science, Unity Biotechnology

Cataracts

How long will the results of laser eye surgery last for?

The effects of laser eye surgery last a long time,  but a small percentage of patients might experience small changes as the eyes heal and will benefit from an enhancement or secondary procedure. This is a result of the natural healing process that takes place following any eye surgery and is normally carried out three to six months after the original treatment. It is also possible in many cases to repeat laser surgery should there be a natural deterioration in vision.    Lastly, as the years go by,  natural age-related changes affect our ability to see up close, a problem called presbyopia. This is unrelated to laser eye surgery and there are other treatments for this issue when you get older.

Laser

How long will the ICL stay in the eye?

The ICL is intended to remain in place without maintenance. If for any reason removal becomes necessary, it can be easily taken out be a trained ophthalmic surgeon.

ICL

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a weakening of the cornea (front window to the eye) which leads to increasing levels of short-sightedness and astigmatism.

Keratoconus

Can eyes be lasered more than once?

Yes, although most eyes can be lasered more than once, the whole idea is to do the surgery only once and well. A touch-up treatment may be helpful in less than 1% of cases.

Laser

I can’t afford it - Do you have payment plans?

Fact: Yes! You can afford it simply by changing your annual spend on glasses/contact lenses.
The Re:Vision team are ready to assist you with exploring your payment options including Gem Visa 9 months deferred payment options or perhaps one of the many credit cards we accept allowing you to collect more points. Check out our cost calculator to see how much money you will save by having Lasik Laser Vision correction compared to glasses & contact lenses.

Laser

Does the procedure hurt?

The WG-SmartSURFACE procedure doesn’t hurt at all.   It’s actually a very comfortable procedure,  even better than either LASIK or SMILE.

WG-SmartSURFACE

How does a pterygium affect vision?

If a pterygium grows large enough, it begins to cover and distort the cornea.  This will cause astigmatism and may even distort the vision so much that glasses won’t adequately correct the vision.

Pterygium

Are you awake during laser eye surgery?

Yes, you are awake and relaxed after a sedative tablet. The procedure is virtually painless and over in minutes. While you will notice vision improve immediately, the real clear vision kicks in the morning after surgery.

Laser

Are You Awake During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is very comfortable and general anaesthesia is not needed at all.  It’s much safer to avoid being ‘put to sleep’ for the procedure.
It’s common to be a little nervous about an operation and almost all people opt to have light sedation which makes you feel relaxed and comfortable during it.
You will find the whole procedure is over quickly.  Although the sedation wears off rapidly you can’t drive yourself home after the procedure.

Cataracts

How many post op appointments will I have?

You will usually have a check-up 3 or 4 days after the WG-SmartSURFACE procedure and then further checks 1 month and 3 months later.   Other checks can be arranged if needed, for example pilots will usually have additional checks to show they are ready to return to the skies.

WG-SmartSURFACE

IsLASIK safe?

LASIK vision correction has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure: more than 96 percent.

LASIK is one of the most studied operations. More than 7,200 clinical studies have been published about the safety & effectiveness of LASIK. A testament to the safety of the procedure is the fact that uptake of LASIK is highest for LASIK surgeons and their family members.

Most LASIK patients get better vision than they did with glasses before surgery.  In more than 40 million LASIK procedures performed worldwide, there has never been a case of blindness caused by LASIK in anyone who is a healthy, good candidate.

Laser

How long does laser eye surgery take?

The actual time that the laser is adjusting the focus of the eye is only  3- 15 seconds.  You are in the procedure room for about 15 minutes in total, and  usually you are at Re:Vision for 1 to 1 ½ hrs on the day of the procedure

Laser

What is the minimum age for laser eye surgery?

It is important that patients have a stable prescription when opting for laser eye surgery and it is for that reason that many patients are not suitable until the age of  20.    Very occasionally, 18-20 years olds with low prescriptions may be treated if they have a good record of stability and have had regular eye checks - and it would be helpful for their sports or occupation.

Laser

I have astigmatism – can I still have laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is ideal for patients with astigmatism. Our technology allows us to treat even very high astigmatism very effectively.   Astigmatism treatment is very routine in our clinic, even if it is very high.   Our ophthalmic surgeons will check your eyes carefully for any problems that could cause the astigmatism to change or worsen over time - these conditions can normally be treated with other procedures.

Laser

How quickly will I see the results of laser eye surgery?

You’ll see a big change immediately and almost everyone sees well enough to drive without glasses the following day.  In fact, 97% of Re:Vision’s LASIK patients are already seeing 20/20 or better  the very next day after their procedure - and it just keeps on improving for several weeks afterwards.

Laser

Why would Re:Vision recommend RLE over a Lasik procedure?

When your natural lens inside your eye prevents you from obtaining the visual results you are looking for through Lasik we would recommend correcting the lens. Changes in the functioning of your lens due to the normal aging process like presbyopia and gradual clouding would mean your results after Lasik would not be optimum and would not last.

RLE

What's the best age for laser eye surgery?

As soon as your prescription is stable for 2+ years is a great time for laser eye surgery. Obviously, the younger you have surgery, the longer you can enjoy a life free of glasses or contacts. Most of our patients are aged 23-32 years.

Laser

Can a corneal transplant cure Keratoconus?

Corneal transplantation can not “cure” keratoconus. Rather it is used to replace the scarred and irregular cornea with a healthy and clear piece of tissue. Corneal transplantation has been used successfully for over 100 years to treat a variety of corneal conditions.

Corneal Transplant

Will I need to have RLE or another cataract surgery repeated later?

Thats a great question because all the news is good. NO. RLE is permanent and the eye cannot develop cataracts in the future, your cataract problem is solved for life.

RLE

Does the ICL procedure hurt?

No, most patients state that they are very comfortable throughout the procedure. Your ophthalmologist will use topical anaesthetic drops prior to the procedure and may choose to administer a light sedative as well.

ICL

When can I go back to work after laser eye surgery?

Your recovery time will depend on a number of factors, including the type of treatment you've had. Most Wavefront-guided LASIK patients could return to work within 24 hours of surgery, while for SmartSurface patients at least 4 days off work is recommended. Our team will discuss the best option for you depending on your work and your whanau and what is the safest and most convenient option for you.

Laser

What’s the success rate of laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a very effective treatment, with both Wavefront-Guided LASIK and SmartSurface laser eye surgery having very high success rates.International studies show more than 99% of those who have laser vision correction have 20/20 vision or better following surgery.

Laser

What if my prescription changes in the next 5-10 years?

Fact: It is very unlikely to occur, any change in vision could be due to some of the following:
- Normal aging (presbyopia – loss of reading vision)
- Dry eyes
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Retinal changes
- Developing cataracts or other eye disease
Normal incidence of change post LASIK eye surgery is less than 5% of patients and a simple enhancement procedure can correct your vision

Laser

Will I Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery?

When you have modern refractive cataract surgery your surgeon is removing the cloudy cataract and inserting a new intraocular lens.  When selecting the best lens, we choose a lens that gives you the best focus for your needs.

With a standard lens targeted for great distance vison it's likely you will need reading glasses, computer glasses and possibly other special-purpose eyewear afterwards depending on your occupation and visual needs.   As the eye heals, sometimes glasses are needed for small focus problems for tasks such as night driving.

Astigmatism is when the shape of some eyes is different vertically and horizontally across the cornea, the clear window on the front of the eye.   Your surgeon can insert a lens that compensates for this astigmatism and this will improve the distance vision making it unlikely that you would wear glasses driving or looking at things more than 2-3 meters away.

If you want to minimize the need for reading glasses, a great option is Blended Vision.  One eye is given a near focus and the dominant eye is kept as the distance vision eye.  Your brain then uses both eyes together to get a better range of focus that includes things like cellphone, menus, and other day to day tasks.    Glasses are still sometimes required for night driving and computer work, and for detailed or intensive close work but day to day life can be glasses free.

This option can be further enhanced by using an EDOF (extended depth of focus) lens to give a greater range of near focus ability.

It's not unusual for minor refractive errors to be present after cataract surgery.  Despite amazing accuracy in the measurements (to within a hundredth of a millimeter) and skilled and accurate surgery  every eye heals in a slightly different way.    These may be too insignificant to warrant additional surgery  or glasses but occasionally night driving glasses are useful to improve vision even further than the cataract surgery has done.

If you want the greatest freedom from eyeglasses possible, ask your surgeon to discuss the best choice for your visual needs during your pre-operative eye examination.

Cataracts

Can you go blind if you have Keratoconus?

Keratoconus does not typically lead to blindness. But the disease can degrade vision to a level where one will experience difficulty leading a normal life. ...If someone has very mild keratoconus, then it is possible that they may not require glasses or contact lenses after receiving keratoconus treatment.

Keratoconus

What is Refractive Lens Exchange Surgery?

RLE is very much like performing Cataract surgery, the difference is it is performed early before the presence of a dense cloudy Cataract. The aim of the lens exchange treatment like Lasik or other Refractive surgery options is to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses. The natural lens is removed and a new customised lens is put in its place which provides great vision without glasses. By performing RLE surgery, you will not develop a cataract in later life as the lens has already been removed.

RLE

How long should I take my contact lenses out before laser eye surgery?

It is important to not wear your contact lenses before the date of your surgery.  Soft contact lenses should be removed at least 2 full days prior to your assessment and hard lenses should be removed at least 8 weeks prior.  You can still have an assessment even if you can’t leave your contacts out that long, but additional visits may be needed.  During your consultation, our team will confirm how long you should leave your contact lenses out before having your laser eye surgery.

Laser

Are there other options for treatment?

Fact: The laser procedure does not fit all, thus at Re:Vision we have several treatment options available, such as:
- PRK/ASLA Surface laser treatment suitable for people with very thin corneas or a history of chronic dry eye disease.
- ICL The implantable contact lens which does not require any maintenance and is reversable while providing optimum HD high definition vision.
- RLE Refractive lens exchange for patients who may now also require glasses to read along with distance correction and seek greater spectacle independence while also avoiding cataracts.
We start every consultation with the aim “what procedure (if any) is the safest and best way to help you not wear glasses for the longest possible time”.

Laser

Does the YAG procedure hurt?

No, the YAG laser is a safe, painless laser procedure that eliminates the cloudiness that may occur months to years after cataract surgery.

YAG

Can the ICL be seen by the naked eye?

No, the ICL is positioned behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye), where it is invisible to both you and observers. Only your surgeon will be able to tell that vision correction has taken place.

ICL

When can I go swimming after laser eye surgery?

You should wait at least 10 days before swimming after your laser eye surgery in order to avoid the risk of infection.

Laser

Is corrective eye surgery worth it?

Just read our Google Reviews and judge for yourself…!

Laser

How long does the YAG procedure take?

It’s a very quick procedure - it takes only about 40 second to perform.  During your consultation special eye drops are put in to dilate the pupils of the eyes and these take about 20 minutes to work. Once these take affect and you have seen the surgeon, the actual YAG laser capsulotomy is very quick.

YAG

Does the procedure hurt?

Fact: LASIK IS NOT PAINFUL
Most patients tell us they feel a slight degree of pressure during the procedure as our Eye Surgeon has used numbing drops (they work & no needles).

Laser

How long does laser eye surgery take to heal?

Your recovery time will depend on a number of factors, including the type of treatment you've had, your age, and your body’s natural healing ability. While a vast majority of patients experience improved vision within 24 hours of having surgery, full recovery can take up to a week.

Laser

Does laser eye surgery hurt?

Laser eye surgery itself is pain-free, with only a mild pressure sensation very briefly during the surgery.   Following the treatment patients may feel some discomfort in the early stages of healing. The duration of the discomfort depends upon the type of surgery you've undergone, but usually only a few hours.

Laser

Does a corneal transplant last for ever?

No corneal transplant lasts forever, most transplants last many years if not decades but some need to be replaced due to transplant rejection (which can occur even years following initial surgery) or due to simple failure of the transplant's new cells over time (depending on the age and health of the donor tissue and the surgical technique used). In general, partial thickness corneal transplants are at less risk of rejection compared to full thickness grafts.

Corneal Transplant

What happens at the RLE assessment?

Plan to be with us for approximately 2-3 hours while perform a detailed assessment of your eyes & share information. Our Ophthalmic technicians & Optometrists all aspects of your eye from dry eye through to the retina. Based on test more specific information about your options will be shared. You will then meet your Eye Surgeon who will examine your eyes and the test results and discuss treatment and lens options with you. Thus ensuring a personalised  plan meeting your specific needs. The team will then help you explore possible dates for you to start enjoying visual freedom.

RLE

Is a pterygium painful?

A pterygium is usually painless early on, but it can cause irritation to the eye at any stage.   This is usually a gritty burning sensation in the eye,  and it can it can feel like there is grit in your eye as well.   Occasionally it can be very painful  and if this happens see an eye care provider immediately.

Pterygium

What are the risks of refractive lens exchange?

As diagnostic & surgery techniques have improved considerably over the last 10 years the risks of refractive lens exchange surgery have been greatly reduced. Vision threatening risks are less than 1 % however, specific risks & potential complications are always discussed with you at the assessment and shared in writing as part of the consent process. Re:Vision takes pride in achieving world class outcomes such 100% of patients being able to drive a car the very next day along with our 5 star patient satisfaction rating.

RLE

How long is the recovery period?

Fact: If you had LASIK eye surgery today you could be back to normal activities tomorrow.
For the first 3-4 hours after the procedure, your eyes feel a little scratchy and light sensitive. Based on our current results due Re:Vision utilising the very latest technology, 100% of our patients can legally drive the next day, without glasses.

Laser

Can I go blind?

Fact: There has been no reported cases of patients going blind due to LASIK eye surgery around the world in over 30+ million procedures.
At the time of your suitability consultation, your surgeon and team will share in detail the potential risks as with any surgical procedure.

Laser

Is there a cure for Keratoconus?

Currently there is no cure for keratoconus. It is a lifelong eye disease. Thankfully, however, most cases of keratoconus can be successfully managed. For mild to moderate keratoconus, glasses and contact lenses made of advanced gas permeable lens materials typically are the treatment of choice. In advanced disease a cornea transplant may be required.

Keratoconus

Can pterygium lead to blindness?

A pterygium can lead to severe scarring and poor vision if left too long, but this is rare. It is better to remove the pterygium before the distortion and scarring occurs.

Pterygium

How do you get rid of a pterygium?

With modern surgery, the pterygium is carefully removed and the area covered by a thin layer of the conjunctiva taken from an area under the top eyelid. (This is an area that is known to  heal rapidly).   This thin layer is then glued in place using a special ‘tissue glue’ so usually no sutures are needed.  If this is the first time you are having a pterygium removed then the chance of the pterygium growing back is very low.  This procedure is performed using a local anaesthetic jelly, does not require any injections and and takes approximately 30 minutes.  Most people are back at work after one or two days.

Pterygium

Is a pterygium dangerous?

Pterygia (plural) are not dangerous in their early stages.   They can look fleshy and unsightly and lead to sore and red eyes, but even before that stage many people want them removed because of their unsightly appearance.  Symptoms in the early stages may include irritation, grittiness or burning. Mild pterygia can generally be managed with lubricating eye drops.

Pterygium

Will I still need reading glasses after LASIK?

No, not until you are nearing your 50s when reading glasses are a normal age-related thing. LASIK should give you amazing distance focus for decades.

Laser

Can Cataracts Cause Blindness?

Yes, cataracts can cause blindness, but fortunately this blindness can always be cured by performing cataract surgery.  In fact often the vision is often so good a person can usually legally drive without glasses after.   It’s best not to wait until the vision is severely reduced – Cataract surgery is easier and treatment less complex if performed before the person gets to legal blindness.

Cataracts

Does it last?

WG-SmartSURFACE  and PRK surgery results are considered a permanent solution for visual loss, once you reach your early 20’s and your eyesight is stable.  There can be other changes in vision as you age (especially to reading vision) that will still happen in your late 40’s, but the good news is that most people find their improved eyesight lasts for a very long time.

WG-SmartSURFACE

How does LASIK work?

LASIK is an acronym for laser in situ keratomileusis and is a two-step procedure.The first step uses a femtosecond laser to painlessly create a thin circular flap in the cornea – the surface of the eye. Then, your surgeon gently lifts the flap to expose where the actual vision correction treatment will happen, just under the surface of the eye.In the second step, a computer-guided excimer laser painlessly reshapes the cornea to correct all the focus errors.  The flap is then laid back in place to act as a natural bandage and protect the reshaped portion of the cornea while it heals.

Laser

Is it covered by Medical Insurance?

Yes, it is covered by medical insurance.

YAG

How much does refractive lens exchange surgery cost?

We have developed package prices for all of our procedures so you only pay one bill which includes the Surgery, Day hospital fees, Anaesthetist, cost of lenses and all your follow up care.

RLE

Can eye drops treat Keratoconus?

Currently keratoconus cannot be treated with eye drops or other medications, but some means can help slow or even stop disease progression. As keratoconus can be often made worse by excessive eye rubbing, anti-allergy drops are usually prescribed to make the eyes more comfortable.

Keratoconus

How long is the recovery time?

WG-SmartSURFACE heals quicker than standard PRK, with faster return of clear vision. Having said that, it generally takes 2 to 3 days for the  days for the irritation to settle and most people  are back to work after 4 to 5 days to a week, depending on your occupation.   Good vision is achieved in 1-2 weeks and usually around 6 weeks to experience optimal visual acuity.

WG-SmartSURFACE

I have heard LASIK doesn’t last?

Fact: Presbyopia – translates as “old eyes”. Age affects eyes just like other functions of our body.
If you are found suitable and in your early 20’s the LASIK eye surgery distance vision correction with last until you need your cataracts treated (normally in your 60’s – 70’s). The need for reading glasses will occur as it does for everyone at middle age around mid to late 40’s. The good news is there are even treatment options for reading glasses now!

Laser

When Are Cataracts Bad Enough To Require Surgery?

When to have surgery is always a personal choice. But if you are noticing vision problems and your optometrist or doctor has told you that have cataracts, it's likely your cataracts are bad enough to require surgery.The early symptoms of cataracts are often symptoms of halos at night and problems with glare, when there are bright lights bright sunlight where you are looking.
This can become noticeable to you even before your eye care provider notices significant clouding of the lenses of your eyes.  People who need excellent night vision for driving will often seek cataract surgery early on rather than wait for degraded vision.  Others who are not symptomatic may wait until later, although it’s important to have regular eye examinations so your vision doesn’t slip too much and make it dangerous for you to drive.

Financial considerations and insurance requirements also are factors when considering the best time to have cataract surgery. Some insurance companies consider cataract surgery to only be medically necessary once vision has been reduced below a certain level. People who are active and still working may find their vision is troubling them even before they qualify for surgery under the terms and conditions of their policy.

Cataracts

Can Keratoconus be corrected?

In the mildest form of keratoconus, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may help. But as the disease progresses and the cornea thins and becomes increasingly more irregular in shape, glasses and regular soft contact lens designs no longer provide adequate vision correction.

Keratoconus

How much does laser eye surgery cost?

$3,444 per eye including GST. We do have finance partners that offer easy payment options.

Laser

What if I blink or move my eye during laser eye surgery?

The Schwind-Amaris 1050RS has the most sophisticated eye-tracking system in NZ that follows any eye movement that may occur during surgery. The laser reacts faster than your eye can possibly move to ensure every laser pulse goes exactly where it needs to with micron-precision.  Before the laser is applied, painless anaesthetic eye drops are placed on the eye to stop the natural blink reflex.  As well as this, a small thin separator will comfortably keep you from blinking.

Laser

Should I wait for better technology?

Fact: After a comprehensive consultation at Re:Vision you are found suitable “there has never been a better time!”
LASIK laser vision correction was first performed in the Southern Hemisphere in August 1995* NASA approved LASIK for their astronauts in July 2008. Since then more than 30+ million people have achieved independence from glasses and contact lenses. Although technology does improve it is more a refinement of safety fail safes such as sophistication eye trackers and customised treatment programmes to enhance visual quality. You have the comfort and benefit of almost 25 years of experience, with the knowledge that 100% of patients can drive a car without glasses the next day!

Laser

When can I exercise after the RLE procedure?

100% of patients can return to normal routine activities the very next day after surgery. We suggest that you resume light exercise 2-3 days after treatment, and full exercise 1 week after treatment to give your eyes a chance to settle after the procedure. You can go swimming but try to keep you head out of the water for the first 2 weeks. Wearing goggles to prevent the chlorine irritating your eyes is a good idea.

RLE

Is Keratoconus serious?

Keratoconus is an eye disease that may or may not cause loss of visual acuity that is severe enough to be considered a disability. ... Thankfully, in most cases, treatments such as glasses, contact lenses, cornea cross-linking and cornea transplantation can prevent even advanced keratoconus from causing this level of severe vision loss.

Keratoconus

Can the ICL be felt once it is in place?

Because the ICL does not attach to any eye structures or move around in the eye, most patients do not feel it or notice that it is there.

ICL

Will my health insurance cover refractive lens exchange?

Refractive lens exchange surgery is not usually covered as there is no Cataract present. Although RLE is a surgical/medical procedure, like Laser Vision Correction or Implantable Contact Lenses is deemed cosmetic or elective surgery. It is worthwhile contacting your health fund to discuss their possible contribution towards surgery in lieu of you glasses or contact lens annual rebate, this is subject to the your policy details. A detailed quotation and explanation is provided during your assessment along with payment plan options.

RLE

What are some hygiene tips?

Lids

Am I suitable for laser eye surgery if I play contact sports?

Yes, you can still play all sports including martial arts and contact sports after Laser eye surgery.   It is sensible to take a short break for a few weeks from some sports, we can advise you more at your assessment once we know what sports you enjoy doing.

Laser

Can Keratoconus go away on its own?

In most people who have keratoconus, both eyes are affected, although not always to the same extent. ... With severe keratoconus, the stretched cornea fibers can lead to severe scarring. If the back of the cornea tears, it can swell leading to acute deterioration of vision and discomfort (hydrops). It may take many weeks for the swelling to go away.

In the past 15 years, a revolutionary treatment called cornea crosslinking (CXL) has been able to stop the progression of keratoconus in up to 90% of patients.

Keratoconus

What is the recovery time after the corneal transplant?

Your vision may be blurry for a period of time after surgery. Depending on the type of transplant the eye may take weeks or even months to settle and for you to get the full benefits of surgery and to see as clearly as possible. Your doctor will give you eyedrops to help your eye heal and prevent your body from rejecting the donor tissue.

Corneal Transplant

Are you awake during the corneal transplant?

This depends on the type of transplant but the procedure is typically done under general anaesthesia with you put to sleep.

Corneal Transplant

What is the best laser vision correction procedure?

The best laser vision correction procedure is the one (either LASIK or PRK) that best suits your particular eye anatomy and your lifestyle. Your personalised treatment plan is customised to your eye using the most modern and precise instruments to measure your eyes.

Laser

What is the lens that fixes my vision made out of?

The high quality premium lenses routinely used at Re:Vision are made out of acrylic, though some silicone lenses exist. We only use acrylic IOLs at Re:Vision The acrylic material has a proven track record in tens of millions of cases & 30+ years in the eye.

RLE

Why is it better for athletes?

Surface vision correction procedures like WG-SmartSURFACE and PRK are considered better for people who may be exposed to blunt injury to their eyes (police, military, martial arts, rugby, etc). The risk of trauma injuring the eye for anyone who has had LASIK or SMILE is incredibly rare, but safety is always our top concern.

WG-SmartSURFACE

How long does the laser eye surgery procedure take?

You will be in and out of theatre in under 30 minutes, although the length of time that the laser is applied to your eye ranges from just a few seconds to two minutes, depending upon the complexity of your prescription.

Laser

Is LASIK scary?

While we appreciate that LASIK can be scary for some, most patients say afterwards that it was easier than they thought and that they wish they had done it years ago! We also routinely use a ‘happy tablet’ (light sedation) to ease any nerves.

Laser

What is the LASIK surgery age limit?

There is no upper age limit for laser vision correction but you will get the most out of your procedure if you have it during your 20s-30s.

Laser

Does it last?

The procedure only needs to be performed once, with the benefit lasting a lifetime.

YAG

How long does the procedure take and can have both eyes treated?

The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Due to improvements in safety advanced refractive surgeons now commonly treat both eyes on the same day. If for other medical reasons or patient preference the eye with the largest error is treated first and the other eye subsequently. At Re:Vision the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic drops (no needles/injections) eliminating the need for eye pads & a rapid visual recovery.

RLE

Will laser work for me? What can I expect?

Fact: Yes, suitable candidates normally see 20/20 or better with 1 day.
At Re:Vision we treat people who have shortsightedness (myopia) -.5 to -9.0 Astigmatism -.5 to -.5.0 and farsightedness +.5 to +5 in prescription with Lasik Laser Vision correction. Other procedures like the EVO Visian ICL can allow people up to -20 outstanding quality vision correction. Although every person we treat is unique with different individual traits we can based on the many tens of thousands of people we have treated give realistic predictions for expected outcomes. The pre treatment consultation is the most important part of the entire Vision correction process. The matching of the right procedure to your vision requirements, elimination of people with other existing or undiagnosed eye disease, the detailed measurements to ensure no long term weakening of the cornea or night vision issues is why Re:Vision achieves NZ’s best reported outcomes and the 5 star patient satisfaction rating.

Laser

What is Cornea Crosslinking (CXL)?

Keratoconus gets worse because the cornea weakens. CXL, also known as C3R, uses ultraviolet light and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) drops to stiffen the cornea. Used together, they cause fibers within the cornea to cross-link – or bond more tightly. This treatment mimics the normal age-related stiffening of the cornea, which is known as natural cross-linking.

Keratoconus